Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $120
This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 15/7. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
17 Jul — 24 Jul1
Return
1 adult
Economy
Return
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in February or November, booked 72 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Friday
Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns
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Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 17 June 2026.
Wed 22/706:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Fri 24/721:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 13/6$242
Thu 30/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Tue 4/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$245
Tue 1/917:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Tue 8/921:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$246
Sun 2/806:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Thu 6/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$248
Sun 2/806:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Fri 7/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 17/6$249
Mon 10/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Thu 13/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$250
Tue 28/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Fri 7/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$253
Fri 21/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 23/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 13/6$256
Fri 14/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 23/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$258
Wed 29/706:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Tue 4/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$259
Sun 26/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 2/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$262
Best flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover carefully curated flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Thu 27/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 30/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$248
Mon 2/1112:00
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop5h 45m
Virgin Australia
Thu 12/1123:55
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 16/6$376
Thu 23/715:50
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop6h 55m
Qantas Airways
Sun 26/706:00
CNS
-
MEL
1 stop9h 50m
Qantas Airways
Deal found 15/6$408
Thu 1/1019:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Thu 8/1010:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 12/6$277
Fri 21/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Mon 31/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$291
Thu 23/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 26/721:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$318
Fri 7/814:20
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop8h 25m
Qantas Airways
Mon 10/811:20
CNS
-
MEL
1 stop8h 35m
Qantas Airways
Deal found 12/6$409
Tue 28/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sat 1/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$334
Tue 4/811:15
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop8h 15m
Qantas Airways
Thu 20/817:40
CNS
-
MEL
1 stop5h 35m
Qantas Airways
Deal found 12/6$410
Sun 6/919:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sat 12/920:10
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$338
Sun 2/810:45
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop10h 45m
Qantas Airways
Fri 7/817:40
CNS
-
MEL
1 stop5h 35m
Qantas Airways
Deal found 13/6$410
Sat 11/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 19/707:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$369
Direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore direct flight options from Melbourne to Cairns based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Wed 22/706:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Fri 24/721:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 13/6$242
Thu 30/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Tue 4/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$245
Tue 1/917:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Tue 8/921:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$246
Sun 2/806:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Thu 6/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$248
Sun 2/806:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Fri 7/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 17/6$249
Mon 10/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Thu 13/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$250
Tue 28/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Fri 7/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$253
Fri 21/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 23/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 13/6$256
Fri 14/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 23/807:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$258
Wed 29/706:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Wed 5/811:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$259
Sun 26/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Sun 2/821:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$262
Last-minute flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover last-minute flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns. Data last updated 17 June 2026 and is based on user searches.
Mon 22/617:10
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop6h 10m
Virgin Australia
Fri 26/621:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 13/6$362
Mon 22/617:10
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop6h 10m
Multiple Airlines
Tue 30/621:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 14/6$386
Mon 22/617:10
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop6h 10m
Multiple Airlines
Sun 28/621:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 14/6$395
Mon 22/617:10
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop6h 10m
Multiple Airlines
Thu 25/619:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 12/6$419
Mon 22/617:10
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop6h 10m
Virgin Australia
Tue 23/621:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 12/6$422
Tue 23/608:30
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop7h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Fri 26/621:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 14/6$400
Tue 23/608:30
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop7h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Sun 28/621:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 12/6$409
Wed 24/608:30
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop7h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Wed 1/721:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 14/6$410
Wed 24/608:30
MEL
-
CNS
1 stop7h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Tue 30/621:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 14/6$412
One-way flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Search for one-way flight options from Melbourne to Cairns. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Wed 15/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$120
Sat 22/819:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$123
Sun 12/721:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 13/6$127
Thu 30/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$130
Mon 10/819:05
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 17/6$132
Mon 13/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 15/6$133
Sun 26/719:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$134
Wed 12/806:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 16/6$136
Sat 15/806:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 14/6$139
Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns
Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.
Fly from
Fly to
Route
Depart
Return
Price
Cheapest return flight
Fastest return journey
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Thu 27/8
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Sun 30/8
21:40-01:00
Nonstop3h 20m
$248
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Thu 1/10
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Thu 8/10
10:00-14:25
Nonstop3h 25m
$277
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 21/8
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Mon 31/8
21:40-01:00
Nonstop3h 20m
$291
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Thu 23/7
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Sun 26/7
21:40-01:00
Nonstop3h 20m
$318
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Tue 28/7
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Sat 1/8
07:00-10:30
Nonstop3h 30m
$334
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sun 6/9
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Sat 12/9
20:10-23:35
Nonstop3h 25m
$338
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Sat 11/7
19:15-22:40
Nonstop3h 25m
Cairns
Sun 19/7
07:00-10:30
Nonstop3h 30m
$369
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Mon 2/11
12:00-16:45
1 stop5h 45m
Cairns
Thu 12/11
23:55-04:20
Nonstop3h 25m
$376
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Thu 23/7
15:50-22:45
1 stop6h 55m
Cairns
Sun 26/7
06:00-15:50
1 stop9h 50m
$408
MelbourneCairns
MEL - CNS
MELCNS
Melbourne
Fri 7/8
14:20-22:45
1 stop8h 25m
Cairns
Mon 10/8
11:20-19:55
1 stop8h 35m
$409
Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.
Deals found on 14/6
Showing 1-10 of 23 resultsSorted by cheapest first
1
2
3
Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns
Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
MEL-CNS
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.
Cheapflights Insights
Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Prices
Airlines
Delays
How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should look to book at least 71 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $253). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in June is currently the most expensive (average of $399). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.
What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?
Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Unlike in the morning, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 31% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.
What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 13 June 2026.
Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday at midday when fares are most often at their lowest. Sunday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.
How much does it cost for a return flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Weekly flight availability from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Explore weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
The most flights from MEL to CNS are scheduled on a Monday (25 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Friday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (14 on average).
How often are flights from Melbourne to Cairns delayed?
About 18% of weekly flights between Melbourne and Cairns have experienced delays in the past year, with the average delay time being 107 minutes.
What is the most punctual flight time for Melbourne to Cairns flights?
Historically, flights departing at night are less likely to be delayed, whereas flights leaving in the early afternoon tend to experience delays more often.
What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?
Saturday tends to have the lowest number of delays on this route, whereas Wednesday has historically faced a higher average of delays compared to other days of the week.
Which airline has the best punctuality record on Melbourne to Cairns flights?
Over the past year, Qantas Airways have had the lowest number of delays on this route, with just 10% of flights being delayed.
Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns
Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 17 June 2026.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Virgin Australia,Qantas Airways, andJetstar
from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Related info for your journey
Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?
If you book a flight to Cairns from Melbourne, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns. There are 19 flights from Melbourne to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.
How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Airlines like Jetstar fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in about 3h 25m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. The distance between Melbourne Airport and Cairns is about 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.
What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?
Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $126 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $155 and $210 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 60% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.
What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns one-way?
$105 is the cheapest one-way deal found within the past few days, from Jetstar. You may also be able to find cheap deals on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, with prices starting from $131 and $226, respectively.
What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns are Air India (96%), Qatar Airways (94%) and Virgin Australia (92%).
What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
On average you can expect to pay $782 for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $120 while the most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns) is currently priced at $200.
Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights have a stopover in Brisbane most often.
What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Brisbane?
If you're on a stopover in Brisbane and looking for things to do, consider visiting Roma Street Parkland, Cathedral of St Stephen, or Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Roma Street Parkland, Cathedral of St Stephen and Queensland Performing Arts Centre are located about 12.6 km, 12.3 km, and 13.5 km, respectively from Brisbane if you are interested in checking them out. Travellers in need of a car in Brisbane can hire one for about $49 per day.
Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights?
The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Sydney.
Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?
Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.
How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.
Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.
What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?
Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $253). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in June is currently the most expensive (average of $399). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.
Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Mission Beach
Trinity Beach
Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip
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Airlines
Alternative routes
Cairns flight routes
Complete your trip
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Other flights from Melbourne
Popular flights
Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines
Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 17 June 2026.
Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 17 June 2026.
Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.
How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?
Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.
Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?
Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.
Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?
Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.
Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?
Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Melbourne to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.
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